Overview
The Santa Barbara Sailing Center welcomes you to explore the majestic Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary with a USCG Captain aboard one of our fantastic cruising yachts. For your convenience, we offer pre-planned trips that can be customized to fit your needs. The experience can be paired with activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, beach lounging, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, free diving, sea cave exploration, day sailing, or just hanging out and enjoying the beautiful anchorage. We are extremely excited to have you join us for a voyage that you will never forget.
Each excursion is unique and will have varying degrees of lounging, water activities, and exploration. Choose between a Catalina 42′ equipped with 4 cabins and 2 heads or a Catalina 50′ equipped with 5 cabins and 5 heads. Groups max out at 6 passengers on board.
Yacht
- Catalina 42' - Calafia
- Catalina 50' - Jenny Lane
2 Days
- $2,328
- $3,108
3 Days
- $3,492
- $4,662
5 Days
- $5,820
- $7,770
7 Days
- $8,148
- $10,878
Catalina 42' - Calafia
- 2 Day $2328
- 3 Day $3492
- 5 Day $5820
- 7 Day $8148
Catalina 50' - Jenny Lane
- 2 Day $3108
- 3 Day $4662
- 5 Day $7770
- 7 Day $10878
CHARTER ADD ONS
Extra Crew (Catalina 50′ only): $300 per day
Kayak (Single): $30 per day
Kayak (Tandem): $60 per day
Stand Up Paddle Board: $60 per day
Early Board (5pm): $151.20
Late Board (9am): $151.20
Pricing does not include customary gratuity, fuel, state tax, port tax, or 5% Channel Island National Park tax. We accept major credit cards only. We do not accept cash.
Plot your Course
2 DAY ISLAND EXCURSION
Short and sweet, this 2 day island getaway will give you a preview of the most popular Channel Island. Setting sail from Santa Barbara early on day one will allow for maximum time at Santa Cruz island. You’ll anchor overnight on the north side of the island with ample time to snorkel, hike, and explore before returning to Santa Barbara the following day.
3 DAY ISLAND EXCURSION
This 3 day island excursion will let you dip your toes into the majesty of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. With one full day at the islands, you can explore additional anchorages. This is the perfect option for a short and relaxing getaway.
5 DAY ISLAND EXCURSION
A 5 day trip to the Channel Islands National Park will enable a visit to Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. These two islands in the middle of the archipelago offer stunning views of scenery reminiscent of Zion National Park, Cabo San Lucas, and the Galapagos! Explore archaeological sites of the native Chumash Indians. This tranquil yachting experience will create a lifetime of memories.
7 DAY ISLAND EXCURSION
Enjoy a full week at the stunning Santa Barbara Channel Islands Archipelago. Explore San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz Islands. This option gives you full flexibility; you can customize your voyage to include other islands in the chain, or spend an extended amount of time at a select few. This package is excellent for divers, surfers, and adventurers alike, giving you adequate time to fully immerse yourself in exploration.
General Guidelines
We strongly recommend including the following in your personal provisions:
- Extra paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissue, and sponges
- Rags/towels (to keep interior floors and cockpit clean of sand and salt.)
- Trash bags (for trash and dirty laundry)
- Dish towels
- Plastic wrap and/or ziplock baggies (for leftovers)
- Tupperware containers (for leftovers)
- Clothes pins (to dry towels and clothing on lifelines)
- Basic condiments
- Coleman camping propane and aluminum foil for the BBQ
- Bedding and pillows (SBSC can supply for a fee—reservations must be made 7 days prior to charter start date)
- Towels (SBSC can supply for a fee—reservations must be made 7 days prior to charter start date).
- Motion sickness remedies
- Plenty of drinking water
Landing Permits
If you wish to go ashore on Santa Cruz Island, you must have a landing permit. Apply for a landing permit here.
Do not use metal coolers or metal storage containers.
Plastic is much kinder to the wood and fiberglass boat materials.
If you plan to scuba dive, we require each diver to sign a waiver prior to departure.
Parking Information
If your charter is 3 days or more, SBSC will provide you with an extended parking permit to be placed on the dashboard of your car. Parking fees will apply at a rate of $15.00 per day.
Channel Islands Food Provisioning
Lazy Acres Market
302 Meigs Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Trader Joe’s
222 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Vons
2010 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Whole Foods Market
3761 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Gelson’s Market
3305 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Bristol Farms
3855 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Q&A
Do you offer day trips to the Channel Islands?
We only offer multi-day trips to the Islands.
What types of activities can I do on the Islands?
Popular activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, beach lounging, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, free diving, sea cave exploration, day sailing, and just hanging out and enjoying the beautiful anchorage.
How many people can I bring?
You may have up to four guests on the 42’ and up to six guests on the 50’.
Can I board a night early or stay a night extra?
You have the option of staying an extra night before or after your charter.
Can I bring my dog/cat/pet?
We do not allow any pets on our yachts.
How do meals work?
Your captain will reach out to you 2-3 weeks prior to your charter to talk about meal planning. The vessels are equipped with a refrigerator, propane oven/range/barbeque and a full galley set up (silverware, plates, pots, pans, etc.).
Do you offer kayaks, SUPS, or snorkeling gear?
We offer kayak and SUPs for an additional cost and can refer you to companies for snorkeling gear.
Policies
Payment and Reservation Policy
100% non-refundable payment is due at the time of booking. We accept all major debit/credit cards. We do not accept cash.
Cancellation and House Credit Policies
To receive house credit, advance notice must be given by 4pm the day prior to your booking for the following:
- Private Double Dolphin Cruises
- Private Skippered Charters
- Day Sails
- Non-ASA Certification Lessons and Guided SUP/Kayak Tours.
To receive house credit, a 7-day advance notice is required for the following:
- Corporate Regattas
- Dining at Sea Private Charters
- Multi-Day Skippered Charters
Membership Cancellation Policy
All memberships auto-bill on the first of each month. If you would like to cancel your membership at any point, you must submit written notice before the first of the month. We cannot offer any refunds or credits for dues already charged.
Liability Waiver Forms
Before participating in water activities, all participants must sign a release of liability form.
Inclement Weather Policy
Full refunds are available when the captain and/or manager make the call for cancellation one hour prior to your departure. Inclement weather is defined as “sea and wind conditions that are deemed potentially unsafe.” Trips operating under unfavorable conditions that do not pose any risk to boat safety (rain, fog, temperature, etc.) will still operate as scheduled. Cancellations made due to “unfavorable conditions” by 4pm the day prior to departure will result in a house credit with no expiration date.
Cannabis Policy
Although California state law currently allows prescription and recreational cannabis to be legal, it is not legal while boating since the ocean is considered Federal Water. All illegal drugs, as well as all forms of cannabis, are not permitted on any boat for any reason in any amount. The Charterer/Renter will be held liable for the full value of the vessel should anything happen to the boat, as well as loss of income.
Alcohol Policy
Hard alcohol is not permitted aboard the Double Dolphin under any circumstances. No outside alcohol may be brought on the Double Dolphin for public cruises.. Wine can be brought aboard the Double Dolphin for private charters only. Each bottle is subject to a $25 corkage fee and no bottle over 750 ml will be permitted. No other outside alcohol is allowed. Hard alcohol, wine, and beer are all permitted aboard Private Skippered Charters free of charge.
Capacity Policy
Private charters aboard our Catalinas may have a maximum of 6 guests (not including captain) on board at all times. The Double Dolphin may have a maximum of 49 passengers (not including captain and crew) on board at all times. Infants count as a full passenger according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Kayak/SUP Policy
Everyone participating in kayak or paddle activities must be a strong swimmer. Please see our website for equipment weight capacity. It is the renter’s responsibility to make sure the equipment is not overloaded. All minors 18 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times while paddling or kayaking.
Catering Order Policy
All catering orders are 100% non-refundable and must be placed at least 96 hours prior to your scheduled departure date. If your charter is canceled for any reason, your catering order will be made available for pick up at our office.
Channel Islands National Park
Located just 26 miles from Santa Barbara lies the world famous Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. This pristine piece of wilderness, also known as the Galapagos of the Pacific, is bursting with marine life including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other life forms not found anywhere else on earth. The National Park encompasses five diverse islands in all (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and is a place where visitors can experience coastal Southern California as it once was.
Close to the California mainland, yet worlds apart, these islands possess not only biological diversity but incredible geologic wonders such as Painted Cave, one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world. Our upper division ASA sailing courses offer overnight trips to the Channel Islands National Park for expert training.
For the experience of a lifetime, come and enjoy one of North America’s truly magnificent treasures. The Santa Barbara Channel makes for a challenging and beautiful area to sail and cruise. With the broad spectrum of conditions accessible within the Santa Barbara area, we are able to accommodate sailors of all levels.
